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Selectmen accept donation of historic railroad station

BY BRENDAN BERUBE

Staff Writer

ALTON

— A new addition will soon be joining the B&M Railroad Park behind Town Hall, thanks to an unexpected donation from a local resident. The board of selectmen voted Monday night to accept the donation of the historic Loon Cove station (originally part of the Lakeshore Railroad) on behalf of Alton’s Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC). “I think it’s a great opportunity for us to have a really important part of Alton’s history,”
DRC Chairwoman Judy Frye said, adding that her committee found the project “exciting and challenging.” Although the building was offered to the DRC by its present owner at no cost, she explained, there are “many
steps along the way” to its becoming a part of the railroad park, including the tricky process of moving it from its current location on the other side of Alton Bay. Historical Society member Marty Cornelissen,who is assisting
the DRC with the project, explained that the hardest aspect of the move will be maneuvering the building underneath cable and telephone lines.
While the top five feet of the building will be removed, reducing its height to 16 feet, six inches and making it easier to clear overhead lines, he
said, a section of cable located in front of Alton Home and Lumber could present a problem. “It’s going to be an interesting move,” he added. Although the DRC has secured the funds needed to hire a contractor to lift the building onto a trailer (which will be donated by resident Scott
Williams), Frye said, they would welcome additional private contributions toward the restoration process, which will include the demolition of some additions in order to bring the station back to its original condition. “I think it’s a wonderful project,” Historical Society President Nancy Thomas
commented. “It’s something that I’m looking forward to seeing down at the park.” Selectman Steve McMahon commended the DRC for their work on the railroad park,which he said has come a long way from where it was
two years ago, and has provided a “nice, added attraction” to the town.